DRAUGHTS

London’s first board game café is still one of the best. Events and social media manager Russell Chapman talks about serving tabletop-friendly munchies and the unlikely popularity of A Dog’s Life

Interview by Matt Jarvis

Could you give us a quick recap of Draughts’ history?

Draughts began as an idea in late 2013 and, after a year of research, planning and hard work, we became a reality in 2014 and have been going ever since.

Since opening we’ve learnt a lot about being a unique business in a demanding industry. This has helped us to evolve the games we offer in our library and shop, how we engage and interact with customers, and even see our customer base expand. What has remained constant throughout, though, is our passion and enthusiasm for board games, good food and drink.

You claim to have been the first board game café to open in London, and the format has exploded across the UK since you appeared three years ago. Does the increased competition worry you?

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